MIDDLESBROUGH last night held talks with Mido after Tottenham gave them permission to speak to the Egypt international, writes SCOTT WILSON.

Boro are understood to have lodged a bid of around £6m and, while Sunderland and Birmingham have also expressed an interest, the Teessiders have leapt to the front of the queue.

Mido's arrival would not necessarily increase the chances of Ayegbeni Yakubu leaving, as Boro boss Gareth Southgate is keen to add another striker to his squad.

Mido was close to joining Birmingham earlier this month, only for the Blues to baulk at his wage demands, and it remains to be seen whether Boro are prepared to pay around £40,000-a-week to the 24-year-old.

However, with club officials having opened discussions with the forward last night, it appears Boro are closing in on his capture.